I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

Monogram for Hand Embroidery: Celtic A

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Here’s the beginning of a new set of monograms for hand embroidery. This set is a bit Celtic in flavor, as it features some loose knotwork.

I like this alphabet a lot – there are many embroidery options for the letters. The original alphabet, from Journal des Demoiselles, features a specked area inside the curves of the knotwork. These areas can be filled with tiny seed stitching, or left empty. The shape of the letters can be satin stitched or simply outlined. You could also try a variety of different types of fillings that would take curves well. For a lighter look, you could try feather stitch, or fly stitch. You could also work the letters in chain stitch or any variations – rope stitch, heavy chain, etc.

I thought I’d offer two sizes of the monogram here, to make it easier for saving and printing. The original alphabet was small – about an inch and a half to two inches high.

Here’s the small version of the Celtic A:

Here’s the large version of the Celtic A:

Favorite Monograms – PDF Collection

You’ll find this complete alphabet – along with 15 other decorative alphabets – all in one place in Favorite Monograms, a downloadable PDF collection of 16 monogram alphabets perfect for hand embroidery and other crafts.

In the photo above, you can see samples of each alphabet available in Favorite Monograms.

Each letter in each alphabet in Favorite Monograms has been carefully traced into a clean line drawing that can be easily enlarged or reduced on a home printer or a photocopier.

The 16-alphabet collection is delivered as via a download link to your inbox shortly after purchase, so that you can begin creating right away! Priced at less than $1.00 per complete alphabet, monogram lovers can’t go wrong with this collection!

(12) Comments

Mary – These look exciting! I’m a cross stitcher and needlepointer who has been wanting to dip my toes into surface embroidery. These letters look like just the thing for a first try, especially with your suggestions for stitches! I also wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your posts and the wonderful stitch videos. Thanks so very much! SF

Good morning Mary,I hope you are well today. I love the celtic letters…I would love to have the letter S posted. My last name is Sullivan and my wedding anniversary is coming up in November. I would love to embroider this on a pillow case for my husband.Again,I love your site!Annie (Michigan)

Oh Mary, I am so sorry that I have not sent my best wishes for a speedy recovery to you before now. I had a long weekend away (very enjoyable) and then an unexpected event of my own (definitely not enjoyable). You can read about both on my blog when you are feeling up to it.

Glad to read that you are making a good recovery. I’ll race you back to the frame 🙂

Hi-Mary, Thanks for this monogram set. I will for sure make this in my favorite medium – Soutache Passementerie – which I mentioned in a previous giveaway of favorite stitches! Keep getting better, dear.

Hi Mary! I just now saw this. I love the Celtic art and knotwork – have done many pieces for the St. David’s church here, and really got fascinated with it. I need to do this “stitch counted” for needlepoint canvas. Gorgeous “initial” pillow it would make. Thanks!

Hi Mary,
Great job on this website.. absolutely amazing. i was going to embroider the word “faith” on my bible cover and its an ambigram. do you think satin stitch would work best on it or any other?? please help!!